Gum Laser Reshaping in Dickson, TN

Gum reshaping is a safe and effective treatment to reduce and reshape excess gum tissue, revealing more tooth structure and evening out the gum line. The procedure can improve the balance and proportion between the gums and teeth, creating a gorgeous smile.

At Dr. Dave’s Healthy Smiles, our dentists recommend gum reshaping to patients with beautiful teeth that are overwhelmed by prominent gums. Some people are genetically prone to an overgrowth of gum tissue that obscures otherwise great-looking teeth; others develop gummy smiles due to poor oral hygiene habits or ill-fitting dental restorations.

But thanks to gum reshaping, these patients no longer have to hide their smiles because of excessive gum tissue. They can enjoy a gorgeous smile and the confidence they deserve.

What Does Gum Reshaping Treatment Involve?

Gum reshaping can normally be completed during a single office appointment. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or incorporated into a comprehensive smile makeover, which is a combination of treatments intended to enhance a smile’s beauty.

Prior to the procedure, patients discuss their concerns and goals with our dentists, and an appropriate plan of treatment is agreed to. The gums are numbed to prevent any discomfort during the treatment.

Gum reshaping used to be performed with a traditional surgical instrument like a scalpel. But nowadays most dentists use a soft tissue laser to contour the gums. The laser removes excess gum tissue and carefully reshapes the gum line so it is even, symmetrical and flattering to the teeth.

There are several advantages to using laser technology for gum recontouring:

• The laser offers greater precision than traditional surgical instruments for better overall results
• Because it is so precise, the laser helps prevent surrounding tissue from accidentally being removed or damaged
• Laser technology is fast, so the procedure will not take long
• There is little to no bleeding
• There is no need for sutures
• The recovery period is more rapid than it is after treatment with a scalpel
• There is less risk of infection after laser treatment

There is very little downtime after the procedure, and patients can resume almost all of their daily activities after leaving the office. As long as they practice good oral hygiene and avoid any foods that could irritate the healing gums, complications are very rare.

The results of gum recontouring are permanent.

Gum Recontouring For Health Reasons

Although gum recontouring is usually performed for cosmetic reasons, sometimes it is recommended for health reasons. It can help treat deep grooves or “pockets” between the gums as well as teeth that are ideal locations for bacteria to hide. By eliminating these pockets, gum recontouring can help reduce the risk of gum disease and infection.

Gum recontouring can also help adjust the gums to prepare for the placement of porcelain veneers.

Learn More About Gum Recontouring

If you are interested in having gum recontouring treatment in Dickson to improve the look of a gummy or uneven smile, Dr. Dave’s Healthy Smiles invites you to schedule a consultation at our practice. You can reach us by calling our Dickson office at 615-813-4303.